cucumber rosemary cocktail [porter]

The post is a little late, but we made this delicious Cucumber and Rosemary Cocktail for the 4th of July.  It tasted fantastic by the pool (though we had to serve it in a less enticing Solo cup), and it would certainly work well for a dinner party because it won't compete with the menu and it presents well.  Fiance wanted a fancy drink and this delivered!

Ingredients:
4-6 servings
4 med to lg cucumbers
1 tbsp fresh rosemary + sprigs for garnish
1 cup gin
1 cup water
2/3 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup simple syrup or agave nectar

The how to:
Peel and dice cucumbers.  Add cucumbers and chopped rosemary leaves to food processor and process until pureed.  Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl, pressing juice through the strainer if needed.  Combine remaining ingredients with strained cucumber mixture in a large pitcher.  Pour over ice, garnish, and serve.

Side notes:
I do not have a food processor large enough for 4 cucumbers so I used a blender, which was a lot of work.  I lost a wooden spoon to it.  I suggest adding some of the water to the blender to help it along.  Although any gin will work, we have Hendricks at home and the subtle cucumber and rose flavor complimented the drink well.  Also, substituting lime for lemon will play a stronger homage to the traditional gin and tonic.  Using honey in place of simple syrup would do nicely to round out the garden theme (half the amount if using honey).  I think I'll play with a fall version of this and work in a ginger flavor (maybe into the simple syrup).  The cucumber is a bit strong in this drink so if you are not a huge fan, consider halfing the cucumbers and adding more water/lemon in proportion.

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